Reviewed by Ian Phillips.
By Noiseworks, Noiseworks Pty Ltd/MGM 2022.
It’s finally here, a new album from Noiseworks. It’s only taken 30 years!
Noiseworks has a huge following and fans always felt they had a lot more music in them when they went into an extended hiatus back in the early 90s.
Noisework’s new aptly named ten track album, Evolution, proves that the dedicated fans were right.
It’s a strong album that contains the stadium anthems the Works were known for such as the opening track and first single, Heart & Soul, and the follow up track Amerika but, it also shows that they are masters of the power ballad in tracks like Long Way.
The reformed Noiseworks are still largely the original band with only the late guitarist/songwriter Stuart ‘Chet’ Fraser missing.
He’s been replaced by the great Jack Jones and he has blended in so well that you’d think Chet was playing the solos.
Sunshine, the fifth track on the disc, could be this summer’s holiday road travel theme song. It’s a joyful burst of energy that is perfect for radio.
Every track showcases just how good Noiseworks were, and still are.
From the bluesy rock of Stand Up to the moody power ballad Low they set a benchmark that challenges other bands to follow.
Jon Stevens has one of the best rock voices that has ever come out of Australia and Steve Balbi’s melodic basslines combine perfectly with Kev Nichol’s impeccable drumming laying down a bullet-proof rhythm section that Justin Stanley’s keyboards float in and through.
Justin’s keys are often understated but they’re essential to the mix.
The final track, Touch, is a short (one minute) mostly instrumental that acts as an epitaph to their departed bandmate and friend ‘Chet’ Fraser.
It’s an ideal conclusion to a very good album that hopefully will see Noiseworks climb the charts and achieve the success they’re seeking and deserve.
